The process for placing a single dental implant is a bit more extensive than some other treatment options, but dental implants are also the better choice. While there are a number of options available, dental implants are significantly more stable and durable. Implants are more invasive and more costly, but their longevity often makes them more cost-effective in the long run.

How long does the single dental implant procedure take?

Evaluation

Before anything is done, your dentist will first have you in for a consultation and evaluation to determine if a dental implant is right for you. They will perform a full examination, taking X-rays and possibly a 3-D scan to have an overall view of what treatment you need. This visit might take an hour.

If they agree that you need a dental implant, they will refer you to an implant specialist for placement of the implant. Your dentist will work in tandem with your implant doctor and will stay in communication throughout treatment.

Implant Placement

At this appointment, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to the area being treated. They will then make a small incision in the gum tissue and drill a tiny hole in the jawbone in which the titanium implant is secured. They will then place a healing cap over the implant to protect it from bacteria and damage while you heal. The surgical process to have a single dental implant placed can be between 1 and 2 hours.

Healing

The longest part of the implant process is the healing. While you heal, your dental implant is becoming fused to your bone. This is called osseointegration and is crucial to the success and stability of your implant. This fusion can take up to six months. During this time, you will have an appliance with a fake tooth to wear. This will not only give you the appearance of having a tooth, but it will also serve as another layer of protection to your healing implant.

Restoration

Once your dental implant is ready for restoration, your general dentist will take over to place your crown. At the first appointment, they will take impressions of your upper and lower jaw in order to create a model for the dental lab to use when they fabricate your implant crown. There is usually about a two-week wait between the time you get your impressions taken and the time your implant is ready to be seated. Once your case is back from the lab, your dentist will permanently fix your implant crown onto the implant.

All in all, a single dental implant takes about 6 and a half months, depending on how quickly your implant fuses with your bone. Now, while the process is long, a single dental implant is by far the best way to restore your smile. They are incredibly comfortable and natural-looking and can be cared for just like your natural teeth. With proper care and maintenance, a single dental implant has the potential to last a lifetime.

HOW LONG DOES THE SINGLE DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE TAKE?